This account of artisan and working-class society in its formative years, 1780 to 1832, adds an important dimension to our understanding of the nineteenth century. E.P. Thompson shows how the working class took part in its own making and re-creates the whole life experience of people who suffered loss of status and freedom, who underwent degradation and who yet created a culture and political consciousness of great vitality
Includes bibliographical references (pages 833-836) and index
The liberty tree. Members unlimited -- Christian and Apollyon -- "Satan's strongholds" -- The free born Englishman -- Planting the liberty tree -- The curse of Adam. Exploitation -- The field laborers -- Artisans and others -- The weavers -- Standards and experiences -- The transforming power of the cross -- Community -- The working class presence. Radical Westminster -- An army of redressers -- Demagogues and martyrs -- Class consciousness